Waiting...patiently, hopefully, expectantly!

After John & I graduated from the University of Arizona (Go, Wildcats!), we married and moved to McKeesport, PA.  John took a job as an engineer at Westinghouse, and I taught remedial reading in Duquesne, PA...and we tried to learn God's pattern for marriage. The dear believers at our first church together as a married couple, First Evangelical Free Church of McKeesport, PA, helped us grow as a married couple and as Christ's disciples.

Streams In Desert

Streams In Desert

Well, after two years, the Lord led us to Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.  As we left our dear friends at First Evangelical Free, they presented us with a little treasure of a devotional book, Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, as we went on our way.

I read through the little volume day by day in the year or two that followed.  It was lovely and inspiring to me on some level. Then I forgot about this kind gift. I don't really think I got it totally because I hadn't "suffered enough."

Years have passed, and I have picked this treasure back up (thanks to my friend Kitty's encouragement). Now I get it and am encouraged day by day.

I discovered this poem in my daily reading just the other day. I shared it in my last post, but I want to park here for a while.  This inspiring piece really grabs me because of the time of waiting I am stuck in.

Are you waiting too, dear friend?  Wait with me here, and let's find encouragement as we wait:

Waiting! Yes, patiently waiting! Till next steps made plain shall be; To hear, with the inner hearing, The Voice that will call for me.

Waiting! Yes, hopefully waiting! With hope that need not grow dim; The Master is pledged to guide me, And my eyes are unto Him.

Waiting! Expectantly waiting! Perhaps it may be today The Master will quickly open The gate to my future way.

Waiting! Yes, waiting! still waiting! I know, though I’ve waited long, That, while He withholds His purpose, His waiting cannot be wrong.

Waiting! Yes, waiting! still waiting! The Master will not be late: He knoweth that I am waiting For Him to unlatch the gate.

by J. Danson Smith

*Feel free to share your "waiting time." You will be prayed for!